Time running out to submit Food and Drink Awards nominations

There are just days left to put forward your favourite places to eat and drink for recognition at the Marketing Derby Food and Drink Awards 2026.

The nomination period closes on Friday 31 July – and people are being urged to get their votes in before the nominations window slams shut.

Launched at the start of this month, the awards are designed to shine a light on Derby’s brilliant food and drink businesses, recognising and celebrating the very best places to eat and drink across the city.

Christopher Tebbs, inward invest executive at Marketing Derby and Food and Drink Awards lead, said: “We’ve already received a fantastic number of nominations from the public who have showed their support for the bars, pubs, cafes and restaurants that they love.

“With just days left until nominations close, we’re urging everyone to have their say.

“Being shortlisted means so much to the establishments who all work so hard year-round for their customers.”

The awards have been designed to allow as many food and drink businesses as possible to enter, with categories including Best Café, Best Pub, Best Bar and Best Country Pub / Restaurant – and, of course, Restaurant of the Year.

There will once again be an Innovation Award, chosen by Marketing Derby, and an award presented on the night recognising Outstanding Achievement.

An updated Food and Drink Guide will also be produced, which will feature all of the 2026 winners.

This year, the public, the business community and the food and drink outlets themselves are invited to make nominations.

Once the nomination period closes, judges will round them down to a shortlist of finalists, who will be announced in August.

The winners will then be revealed at a ceremony to be held at Derby City Council’s Derby Market Hall on Monday 12 October.

This year, the awards have also attracted a fantastic line-up of sponsors, including SEGRO plc, Catering24, Derby College Group, trentbarton, Edwards, Flint Bishop, Leonardo, Locally We Do, Royal Crown Derby, HUUB and the University of Derby.

To nominate, click here.